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Reds lock in local pre season games

Adelaide United FC has organised a host of trial games against local clubs as it continues to build towards the Hyundai A-League 2013/14 Season.

Adelaide United FC has organised a host of trial games against local clubs over the next month as the squad continues to build towards the Hyundai A-League 2013/14 Season.

As in previous years, these games have been an integral part of the club-s community involvement and are a chance for State League players to compete against South Australia-s Hyundai A-League team. Additionally, it has also been a fundraising opportunity for each of the local clubs having South Australia-s Hyundai A-League club on their doorstep.

While the matches will go ahead, unfortunately Football Federation Australia will not sanction them being held at local clubs citing insurance issues regarding minimum lux readings at local grounds - deemed an insurance risk unless a uniform reading of 200 lux is provided.

“Having played a host of games at local grounds in the past, it is a disappointing outcome for the affected clubs,” Adelaide United CEO Glenn Elliott said.

“It may well be that these clubs should approach their local council or local Government MP for assistance to secure whatever grants may be available for lighting upgrades.

“The decision is technically ‘right- but not necessarily a ‘good- outcome for our local football community, so it-s a pity that our players will not get to play at these local clubs.”

Starting with a match against Cumberland United at Santos Stadium, the Reds will face six teams from the local South Australian Premier League.

The games will give a first glimpse of United-s squad in action under new Head Coach Josep Gombau, who officially took over the reins a fortnight ago.

The match with Cumberland will be followed by encounters against current Premier League leaders Metrostars, Croydon, West Torrens Birkalla, Western Strikers and Adelaide Comets.

With Season 9 of the Hyundai A-League not far away, Gombau believes these games will prove invaluable in allowing the players to carry out in match conditions what they have been working on at training.

“It is very important that we can play these games because the players have been working hard on the skills and now it is about putting that into practise in a game,” Gombau said.

“We have not been working so much tactically yet, this is something we will start concentrating on more once we get the whole squad here, but we-re grateful and appreciative that some of the local clubs have agreed to play these games.”

“It will also be a great chance for me to see some of the local players in action, so I-m really looking forward to it and I know our players are as well.”

For the opening game against Cumberland, the Reds will be without Qantas Socceroos duo Eugene Galekovic and Dario Vidosic, while recently arrived signings Tarek Elrich and Isaias Sanchez will also not feature.

The club has also committed to competing in the 2013 Menpora Cup in Indonesia in September, while it is currently in the process of finalising details on a number of pre season games against Hyundai A-League opposition. Details on these games will be released once confirmed.

Adelaide United FC pre-season games against local clubs
30-July-2013
v Cumberland United
Santos Stadium, Kick-Off 8pm